Tips to maximize your fuel from Shell

As driving costs increase, it’s important for drivers to make sure their chosen fuel provides the best value for money. Shell Super Unleaded, Super Unleaded E10 and Super Premium with the new fuel economy formula are specially formulated to take your car further.

Here are some steps you can take before and during driving that will help you go further.

• Tune and service your engine — A well-tuned engine can improve fuel economy so change your oil and follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations on servicing.

• Keep your tires at the right pressure — Correctly inflated tires are safer and last longer. A tire that is under-inflated by just one psi can already reduce fuel efficiency.

• Avoid carrying excess weight — Any extra weight you carry can reduce your fuel efficiency. So keep your trunk or backseat clear of unnecessary items that just add weight to your vehicle.

• Use the correct oil — Always use the recommended grade of motor oil. Using the manufacturer’s recommended lubricant can improve fuel efficiency. Higher-quality motor oils can also help your engine operate more efficiently.

Tips while driving

• Drive smoothly — Aggressive driving can use as much as a third more fuel than safe driving. Avoid accelerating or braking too hard and try to keep your steering as smooth as possible

• Avoid over-revving — The higher the gear you drive in the lower your engine speed, which can improve fuel efficiency. So change gears whenever you can without laboring the engine.

• Avoid excess idling — Idling gets you nowhere but still burns fuel. Turn the engine off when you’re in a queue or waiting for someone.

• Use air-conditioning sparingly — Air-conditioning puts added strain on the engine. Try to limit its use to particularly hot days; just use the fan. Alternatively you can open the windows. While you will lose some fuel efficiency through aerodynamics it is still far more economical than using the air-conditioner. — Kathy Moran